Analysis and Validation of a Population-Based Design of a Wound-Rotor Synchronous Machine

In recent research, a new magnetic equivalent circuit model and solution technique were developed to enable rapid calculation of the performance of wound-rotor synchronous machines. Herein, the development of a population-based design tool that utilizes the MEC is first described. The design tool is then applied to perform multiobjective optimization of a 2-kW portable power generator. Validation has been achieved through construction of a machine that was selected from the Pareto-optimal front (POF) of mass versus loss. Comparisons are made between designed and measured torque (instantaneous and average), open-circuit voltage, efficiency, and q- and d-axis flux linkages. This comparison is done in light of observations that the anhysteretic BH curve for the steel material obtained prior to and subsequent to machine construction have significant differences. Despite the variance, the measured and expected performances match reasonably well. Finally, an analysis of the machines on the POF is used to shed light on several interesting trends in design variables.